Salem Maritime National Historic Site

Salem Maritime, the first National Historic Site in the National Park System, was established to preserve and interpret the maritime history of New England and the United States. The Site consists of about nine acres of land and twelve historic structures along the waterfront in Salem, Massachusetts, as well as a Visitor Center in downtown Salem. The Site documents the development of the Atlantic triangular trade during the colonial period, the role of privateering during the Revolutionary War, and the international maritime trade, especially with the Far East, which established American economic independence after the Revolution. The Site is also the focal point of the Essex National Heritage Area, designated in 1996, which links thousands of historic places in Essex County around three primary historic themes: colonial settlement, maritime trade, and early industrialization in the textile and shoe industries.

Salem Maritime National Historic Site
174 Derby Street
Salem, MA 01970
(978)740-1650 - Visitor Information
(978)740-1660 - Visitor Information

By Plane
Boston's Logan Airport is the closest. Take Route 1 North of Interstate 93 North. Follow the signs to Salem, MA. When in Salem, look for signs to Visitors' Center or Waterfront/Pickering Wharf.

By Car
Salem can be reached via Interstate 93 or Route 1. Follow signs on either one of these roads to Salem, MA. When in Salem, follow signs to Visitors' Center or Waterfront/Pickerwing Wharf.

By Plane
Salem is served by the Rockport/Ipswich Commuter Line from Boston's North Station, about a 30-minute ride. Buses #455 and #450 go from the Haymarket section of Boston to the Salem rail depot. (Haymarket is on the Green and Orange Lines of the Boston subway system.) Follow signs for the short walk to the Visitor Center

Getting Around
Salem, like many New England towns is a walking city. The Visitor center and the site are a short walk from each other. The City of Salem has a few commercial parking lots in downtown, close to the Visitor center. There are commercial transportation companies within Salem, including trolleys, pedicabs and horsedrawn carriages.

Temperatures can range from hot and sticky on humid summer days to frigid in winter. One can get by with comfortable seasonal wear; however a sturdy pair of walking shoes is advised.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Biking
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Bird Watching
• Stargazing

Recommended Activities
Seeing the films in the Visitor Center and Orientation Center; joining ranger-led tours of historic structures; walk the half-mile length of Derby Wharf into Salem Harbor; visiting the 18th century garden. Visiting neighboring attractions, such as the House of the Seven Gables and the Peabody Essex Museum. Walking through historic neighborhoods, such as the McIntire District, Salem Common, and the Derby Waterfront District. Driving the Early Settlement Trail, the Maritime Trail, and the Industrial Trail to other sites in Essex County.